US20090278645A1 - Inductive Coupler for Power Line Communications, Having a Member for Maintaining an Electrical Connection - Google Patents
Inductive Coupler for Power Line Communications, Having a Member for Maintaining an Electrical Connection Download PDFInfo
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- US20090278645A1 US20090278645A1 US11/919,295 US91929506A US2009278645A1 US 20090278645 A1 US20090278645 A1 US 20090278645A1 US 91929506 A US91929506 A US 91929506A US 2009278645 A1 US2009278645 A1 US 2009278645A1
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- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 6
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01F—MAGNETS; INDUCTANCES; TRANSFORMERS; SELECTION OF MATERIALS FOR THEIR MAGNETIC PROPERTIES
- H01F17/00—Fixed inductances of the signal type
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01F—MAGNETS; INDUCTANCES; TRANSFORMERS; SELECTION OF MATERIALS FOR THEIR MAGNETIC PROPERTIES
- H01F38/00—Adaptations of transformers or inductances for specific applications or functions
- H01F38/14—Inductive couplings
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01F—MAGNETS; INDUCTANCES; TRANSFORMERS; SELECTION OF MATERIALS FOR THEIR MAGNETIC PROPERTIES
- H01F27/00—Details of transformers or inductances, in general
- H01F27/02—Casings
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01F—MAGNETS; INDUCTANCES; TRANSFORMERS; SELECTION OF MATERIALS FOR THEIR MAGNETIC PROPERTIES
- H01F38/00—Adaptations of transformers or inductances for specific applications or functions
- H01F38/14—Inductive couplings
- H01F2038/143—Inductive couplings for signals
Definitions
- the present invention relates to power line communications, and more particularly, to a configuration of a data coupler for power line communications.
- Power line communications also known as broadband over power line (BPL) is a technology that encompasses transmission of data at high frequencies through existing electric power lines, i.e., conductors used for carrying a power current.
- a data coupler for power line communications couples a data signal between a power line and a communication device such as a modem.
- An example of such a data coupler is an inductive coupler that includes a set of cores, and a winding wound around a portion of the cores.
- the inductive coupler operates as a transformer, where the cores are situated on a power line such that the power line serves as a primary winding of the transformer, and the winding of the inductive coupler is a secondary winding of the transformer.
- the cores are typically constructed with magnetic materials, such as ferrites, powdered metal, or nano-crystalline material.
- the cores are electrified by contact with the power line and require insulation from the secondary winding.
- insulation is provided between the cores and secondary winding by embedding both the cores and the secondary winding in electrically insulating material, such as epoxy.
- connection of the cores over the power line must remain consistent for the frequency signals to continue to transmit without loss or interference.
- a variety of different power line cables are used in the power line industry, and so, consequently, there are a variety of cross-sectional diameters of these power line cables in the existing power line environment. Regardless of this environment, there is a need for an inductive coupler configured to maintain a consistent electrical connection between the magnetic cores and the power line.
- an inductive coupler for coupling a signal to a conductor.
- the inductive coupler includes (a) a magnetic core having an aperture through which the conductor is routed, (b) a winding wound around a portion of the magnetic core, where the signal is coupled between the winding and the conductor via the magnetic core, and (c) a member that maintains an electrical connection between the magnetic core and the conductor.
- FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional view of an inductive coupler cover having a member fabricated of a conductive material configured as a compressible closed profile, located on the inside aperture of an upper magnetic core portion.
- FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an inductive coupler having a member fabricated of a conductive material configured as a closed profile, compressed to maintain a constant connection between a magnetic core and a power line.
- FIG. 2A is an illustration of an inductive coupler installed on an electrical power line.
- FIG. 3 is a three-dimensional view of an inductive coupler cover having a member fabricated of a conductive material configured as a compressible open profile, located on the inside aperture of an upper magnetic core portion.
- FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an inductive coupler cover having a member fabricated of a conductive material configured as an open profile, compressed to maintain a constant connection between a magnetic core and a power line.
- FIG. 5 is a three-dimensional view of an inductive coupler having a member fabricated of a conductive material configured as a spring-loaded open profile, located on the inside aperture of an upper magnetic core portion.
- FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an inductive coupler having a member fabricated of a conductive material configured as a spring-loaded open profile, expanded to maintain a constant connection between a magnetic core and a power line.
- FIG. 7 is a three-dimensional view of an inductive coupler cover having a member fabricated of a conductive material configured as a spring-loaded open profile, located on the inside aperture of an upper magnetic core portion.
- FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an inductive coupler having a member fabricated of a conductive material configured as a spring-loaded closed profile, compressed to maintain a constant connection between a magnetic core and a power line.
- FIG. 9 shows some exemplary configurations of members having closed profiles.
- FIG. 10 shows some exemplary configurations of members having open profiles.
- FIG. 11 is a three-dimensional view of an inductive coupler magnetic core having a member that provides an electrical connection, configured with a spring loaded open profile, and being integrated into a conductive sheath that surrounds the magnetic core.
- FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an inductive coupler having a conductive sheath that surrounds a magnetic core without any additional profile, where the conductive sheath provides an electrical connection between a power line and the magnetic core.
- FIG. 12A is a cross-sectional view of an inductive coupler that includes a component that ensures a mechanical connection between a power line and sheath of the inductive coupler.
- FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view of an inductive coupler that includes a component, similar to that of FIG. 12A , that ensures a mechanical connection between a power line and a magnetic core of the inductive coupler, but without an accompanying sheath.
- FIG. 12C is a cross-sectional view of an inductive coupler that includes a component made of a compressible material that is also conductive or semiconductive, that maintains an electrical connection between a magnetic core of the inductive coupler and a power line.
- FIG. 13 is a three-dimensional view of an inductive coupler cover having a member fabricated of a sheet made with conductive material, configured as a open profile, located on pole faces and an inside aperture of a portion of a magnetic core.
- FIG. 13A is a three-dimensional view of an inductive coupler cover that employs profiled member, similarly to the inductive coupler cover of FIG. 13 , but in contrast with FIG. 13 , does not include sheath.
- power current is typically transmitted through a power line at a frequency in the range of 50-60 hertz (Hz).
- Hz hertz
- power current is transmitted with a voltage between about 90 to 600 volts
- medium voltage line power current is transmitted with a voltage between about 2,400 volts to 35,000 volts.
- the frequency of the data signals is greater than or equal to about 1 megahertz (MHz), and the voltage of the data signal ranges from a fraction of a volt to a few tens of volts.
- FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional view of a cover 100 for an inductive coupler.
- Cover 100 has a magnetic core section 115 enclosed within a sheath 120 .
- Sheath 120 is fabricated of either a conductive material or a semiconductive material.
- Insulation 105 surrounds an outer surface of sheath 120 .
- a member 125 having an internal opening 130 is fastened or placed within magnetic core section 115 , inside an aperture 135 .
- Member 125 has a “closed” profile.
- the term “closed” profile is used for defining a specific configuration where the material of the “closed” profile maintains a uniformed cross-section with one or more openings of space through the uniformed cross-section.
- Cover 100 also includes a handle 110 to allow a person to hold cover 100 during installation of the inductive coupler onto a power line.
- FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an inductive coupler 250
- FIG. 2A is an illustration of inductive coupler 250 installed on a power line 200
- Inductive coupler 250 includes cover 100 seated over power line 200 above a base 255 .
- magnetic core section 115 is embedded within cover 100 and surrounded with sheath 120 .
- Sheath 120 comes in contact with a conductive coating 245 , which surrounds a magnetic core section 240 that is embedded within base 255 .
- Magnetic core sections 115 and 240 have C-shaped cross-sections, and are situated adjacent to one another to form an aperture through which power line 200 is routed. Together, magnetic core sections 115 and 240 form a magnetic core.
- a winding 235 is wound around a portion of magnetic core section 240 .
- Inductive coupler 250 operates as a transformer, where power line 200 serves as a primary winding of the transformer, and winding 235 is a secondary winding of the transformer.
- one end of secondary winding 235 is connected to cable 265 while the other end of secondary winding 235 is connected to cable 270 .
- Cable 265 can be directly connected to electrical ground (not shown), while cable 270 provides a data signal connection to electrical equipment (not shown).
- both cable 265 and cable 270 can be connected to the electrical equipment, where the electrical equipment provides a path to electrical ground.
- winding 235 is shown as a single turn winding, but in practice, winding 235 may be wound around magnetic core section 240 two or more times.
- Magnetic core section 240 is embedded in insulation 210
- insulation 211 is situated between magnetic core section 240 and winding 235 .
- Insulation 105 , insulation 210 , and insulation 211 are fabricated of an electrically insulating material, such as epoxy.
- Insulation 210 and insulation 211 are shown in FIG. 2 divided by magnetic core section 240 , however, in practice, magnetic core 240 and winding 235 are embedded within insulation 210 and insulation 211 . That is, insulation 210 and insulation 211 are contiguous with one another.
- Base 255 includes a shed slot 260 .
- a locking arm 215 is closed over cover 100 and captured in a final position with a pivot nut 225 that is rotated so that an eyebolt 230 is positioned in shed slot 260 .
- Locking arm 215 is captured on an opposite side of cover 100 with a fastening hook snap connection 220 .
- Locking arm 215 applies force on cover 100 entrapping power line 200 between magnetic core sections 115 and 240 .
- inductive coupler 250 When inductive coupler 250 is installed onto power line 200 , member 125 is situated adjacent to power line 200 . The weight of inductive coupler 250 forces member 125 to compress onto itself, reducing internal opening 130 . The location of power line 200 inside aperture 135 an/or the cross-section diameter of power line 200 can also influence the force being applied to compress member 125 .
- a permanent set is a condition where a material, when compressed into a form, holds that form rather than returning to its original form.
- member 125 does not take a permanent set, but is instead, resilient. That is, member 125 , after being compressed, tends to return to its non-compressed form.
- Member 125 is made of a conductive or semiconductive material. By not taking a permanent set, member 125 allows movement of power line 200 , while maintaining a continual conductive or semiconductive connection between power line 200 and magnetic core section 115 . This continual connection is important for enabling inductive coupler 250 to provide clear frequency signal performance when coupling a data signal.
- FIG. 3 illustrates a three-dimensional view of a cover 300 that employs a power line connection 302 that includes a member 305 .
- Member 305 has an “open” profile, and is fabricated of a conductive or semiconductive material that when brought into contact with power line 200 collapses onto itself so that there is at least one layer of material of member 305 between magnetic core section 115 and power line 200 . Member 305 deflects under load thus maintaining an electrical contact with power line 200 regardless of power line 200 's cross-sectional diameter size or position within aperture 135 .
- FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an inductive coupler 400 that includes cover 300 .
- Power line 200 is nested in member 305 , where material of member 305 is deflected so that member 305 maintains electrical continuity between power line 200 and power line connection 302 .
- member 305 also maintains an electrical connection between magnetic core section 115 and power line 200 . This assures consistent frequency signal transfer from power line 200 through inductive coupler 400 and onto other devices (not shown).
- FIG. 5 shows a three-dimensional view of a cover 500 having a member 502 that is fabricated of a conductive or semiconductive material, and configured as a spring-loaded “open” profile.
- Member 502 includes spring-loaded feet 505 , and can be mechanically fastened or physically placed into aperture 135 .
- FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an inductive coupler 600 that includes cover 500 .
- Member 502 expands to allow power line 200 to slide into an opening 602 .
- Member 502 is made of a resilient material, such that when spring-loaded feet are spread apart from one another, they have a tendency to return to their non-spread positions. Accordingly, spring-loaded feet 505 spring back around power line 200 , and clasp power line 200 to maintain a constant connection with power line 200 . Shear forming and metal stamping processes are well suited for developing member 502 .
- FIG. 7 shows a three-dimensional view of a cover 700 that utilizes a member 702 that is fabricated of a conductive or semiconductive material, and configured as a spring-loaded “closed” profile.
- Member 702 has spring-loaded contact fingers 705 .
- Member 702 is defined as a cross-section with one or more openings of air parallel to the primary power line, and can be mechanically fastened or physically placed into aperture 135 .
- FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an inductive coupler 800 that includes cover 700 .
- Member 702 is made of a resilient material. Member 702 compresses under load when inductive coupler 800 is installed onto power line 200 , and maintains an electrical connection between member 702 and power line 200 , regardless of movement of power line 200 because spring-loaded contact fingers 705 will spring back to their original position if any load is removed.
- FIG. 9 shows some exemplary configurations of members having a “closed” profile. “Closed” profiled members are most likely formed through extrusion molding.
- FIG. 10 shows some exemplary configurations of members having an “open” profile. “Open” profiled members are most likely formed through extrusion molding or injection molding.
- An elastomer material having a hardness in a Hardness Type Shore A Durometer reading of degrees ranging from about 1 to about 100 is preferred for members 125 ( FIG. 1) and 305 ( FIG. 3 ), and also for the profiled members shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 .
- a conductive metal material is preferred for members 502 ( FIG. 5) and 702 ( FIG. 7 ). All of the profiled members described herein are fabricated of a material that is either conductive or semiconductive. Preferably, the material has a volume resistivity between about 1.0 E-11 and about 100,000 ohm-cm.
- FIG. 11 shows a magnetic core cover 1100 having a sheath 120 A that includes protrusions 1105 . That is, sheath 120 A, when being fabricated, is molded to include protrusions 1105 . Sheath 120 A envelopes magnetic core section 115 . Sheath 120 A is made of a material having conductive or semiconductive properties. When magnetic core cover 1100 is installed on a power line, protrusions 1105 contact the power line and thus provide an electrical connection between the power line and magnetic core section 115 , regardless of the size or position of the power line.
- FIG. 12 shows a cross-section of an inductive coupler 1200 having an inductive coupler cover 1205 .
- Inductive coupler 1200 hangs directly on power line 200 .
- the weight of inductive coupler 1200 is great enough to ensure that sheath 120 rests on, and maintains contact with, power line 200 . If power line 200 moves, inductive coupler 1200 moves in the same direction as power line 200 . Since sheath 120 is conductive or semiconductive, sheath 120 maintains an electrical connection between magnetic core section 115 and power line 200 .
- FIG. 12A shows a cross-section of an inductive coupler 1200 A that includes a component 1210 that ensures that power line 200 and sheath 120 contact one another.
- Component 1210 is made of a compressible material having a non-compressed dimension that is greater than a distance between insulation 211 and power line 200 .
- component 1210 is compressed and applies a force against power line 200 that ensures the maintenance of the contact between power line 200 and sheath 120 .
- sheath 120 is conductive or semiconductive, the combination of component 1210 and sheath 120 maintain an electrical connection between magnetic core section 115 and power line 200 , via sheath 120 .
- FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view of an inductive coupler 1200 B that, similarly to inductive coupler 1200 A, includes a component 1210 . However, inductive coupler 1200 B, in contrast with inductive coupler 1200 A, does not include sheath 120 . In inductive coupler 1200 B, component 1210 is compressed and applies a force against power line 200 that ensures that power line 200 and magnetic core section 115 contact one another directly.
- FIG. 12C is a cross-sectional view of an inductive coupler 1200 C that includes a component 1210 C made of a compressible material that is also conductive or semiconductive. Inductive coupler 1200 C does not include sheath 120 . Component 1210 C, along its sides, is in contact with magnetic core section 115 . When inductive coupler 1200 C is installed on power line 200 , power line 200 makes contact with component 1210 C, which, in turn, maintains an electrical connection between power line 200 and magnetic core section 115 . In inductive coupler 1200 C, since component 1210 C is conductive or semiconductive, power line 200 and magnetic core section 115 need not be in direct contact with one another.
- Component 1210 C can be used in inductive couplers 1200 A and 1200 B, in place of component 1210 . If component 1210 C is used in inductive coupler 1200 A, component 1210 C will provide an additional electrical connection between power line 200 and sheath 120 . If component 1210 C is used in inductive coupler 1200 B, component 1210 C will provide an additional electrical connection between power line 200 and magnetic core section 115 .
- FIG. 13 is a three-dimensional view of a cover 1300 that employs a profiled member 1305 .
- Profiled member 1305 is fabricated of a sheet made of conductive or semiconductive material.
- Profiled member 1305 is situated on pole faces 1310 of magnetic core section 115 and adjacent to an inside aperture 1315 of magnetic core section 115 .
- Cover 1300 when installed on a power line (e.g., power line 200 ) and fastened to a base (e.g., base 255 ), compresses profiled member 1305 between magnetic core section 115 and another magnetic core section, (e.g., magnetic core section 240 ). The compression force holds profiled member 1305 in place.
- a power line e.g., power line 200
- base e.g., base 255
- profiled member 1305 deflects under load to maintain an electrical contact with power line 200 , regardless of power line 200 's cross-sectional diameter size or position within aperture 1315 . Accordingly, when cover 1300 is installed on the power line, sheath 120 and profiled member 1305 , together, maintain an electrical connection between magnetic core section 115 and the power line.
- FIG. 13A is a three-dimensional view of a cover 1300 A that, similarly to cover 1300 , employs profiled member 1305 , but in contrast with cover 1300 , does not include sheath 120 .
- profiled member 1305 contacts magnetic core section 115 and the power line, thus maintaining an electrical connection between magnetic core section 115 and the power line.
- the member can be any of (a) a combination of a sheath and a profiled member (e.g., FIGS. 1-8 and 13 ), (b) a sheath that also serves as a profiled member (e.g., FIG. 11 ), (c) a sheath without an accompanying profiled member (e.g., FIG. 12 ), (d) a combination of a sheath and a component of a compressible material (e.g., FIG.
- FIG. 12A a component of a compressible material that is conductive or semiconductive, without an accompanying sheath (e.g., FIGS. 12B and 12C ), or (f) a profiled member without an accompanying sheath (e.g. FIG. 13A ).
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Abstract
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates to power line communications, and more particularly, to a configuration of a data coupler for power line communications.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- Power line communications (PLC), also known as broadband over power line (BPL), is a technology that encompasses transmission of data at high frequencies through existing electric power lines, i.e., conductors used for carrying a power current. A data coupler for power line communications couples a data signal between a power line and a communication device such as a modem.
- An example of such a data coupler is an inductive coupler that includes a set of cores, and a winding wound around a portion of the cores. The inductive coupler operates as a transformer, where the cores are situated on a power line such that the power line serves as a primary winding of the transformer, and the winding of the inductive coupler is a secondary winding of the transformer.
- The cores are typically constructed with magnetic materials, such as ferrites, powdered metal, or nano-crystalline material. The cores are electrified by contact with the power line and require insulation from the secondary winding. Typically, insulation is provided between the cores and secondary winding by embedding both the cores and the secondary winding in electrically insulating material, such as epoxy.
- Connection of the cores over the power line must remain consistent for the frequency signals to continue to transmit without loss or interference. A variety of different power line cables are used in the power line industry, and so, consequently, there are a variety of cross-sectional diameters of these power line cables in the existing power line environment. Regardless of this environment, there is a need for an inductive coupler configured to maintain a consistent electrical connection between the magnetic cores and the power line.
- There is provided an inductive coupler for coupling a signal to a conductor. The inductive coupler includes (a) a magnetic core having an aperture through which the conductor is routed, (b) a winding wound around a portion of the magnetic core, where the signal is coupled between the winding and the conductor via the magnetic core, and (c) a member that maintains an electrical connection between the magnetic core and the conductor.
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FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional view of an inductive coupler cover having a member fabricated of a conductive material configured as a compressible closed profile, located on the inside aperture of an upper magnetic core portion. -
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an inductive coupler having a member fabricated of a conductive material configured as a closed profile, compressed to maintain a constant connection between a magnetic core and a power line. -
FIG. 2A is an illustration of an inductive coupler installed on an electrical power line. -
FIG. 3 is a three-dimensional view of an inductive coupler cover having a member fabricated of a conductive material configured as a compressible open profile, located on the inside aperture of an upper magnetic core portion. -
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an inductive coupler cover having a member fabricated of a conductive material configured as an open profile, compressed to maintain a constant connection between a magnetic core and a power line. -
FIG. 5 is a three-dimensional view of an inductive coupler having a member fabricated of a conductive material configured as a spring-loaded open profile, located on the inside aperture of an upper magnetic core portion. -
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an inductive coupler having a member fabricated of a conductive material configured as a spring-loaded open profile, expanded to maintain a constant connection between a magnetic core and a power line. -
FIG. 7 is a three-dimensional view of an inductive coupler cover having a member fabricated of a conductive material configured as a spring-loaded open profile, located on the inside aperture of an upper magnetic core portion. -
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an inductive coupler having a member fabricated of a conductive material configured as a spring-loaded closed profile, compressed to maintain a constant connection between a magnetic core and a power line. -
FIG. 9 shows some exemplary configurations of members having closed profiles. -
FIG. 10 shows some exemplary configurations of members having open profiles. -
FIG. 11 is a three-dimensional view of an inductive coupler magnetic core having a member that provides an electrical connection, configured with a spring loaded open profile, and being integrated into a conductive sheath that surrounds the magnetic core. -
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an inductive coupler having a conductive sheath that surrounds a magnetic core without any additional profile, where the conductive sheath provides an electrical connection between a power line and the magnetic core. -
FIG. 12A is a cross-sectional view of an inductive coupler that includes a component that ensures a mechanical connection between a power line and sheath of the inductive coupler. -
FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view of an inductive coupler that includes a component, similar to that ofFIG. 12A , that ensures a mechanical connection between a power line and a magnetic core of the inductive coupler, but without an accompanying sheath. -
FIG. 12C is a cross-sectional view of an inductive coupler that includes a component made of a compressible material that is also conductive or semiconductive, that maintains an electrical connection between a magnetic core of the inductive coupler and a power line. -
FIG. 13 is a three-dimensional view of an inductive coupler cover having a member fabricated of a sheet made with conductive material, configured as a open profile, located on pole faces and an inside aperture of a portion of a magnetic core. -
FIG. 13A is a three-dimensional view of an inductive coupler cover that employs profiled member, similarly to the inductive coupler cover ofFIG. 13 , but in contrast withFIG. 13 , does not include sheath. - In a PLC system, power current is typically transmitted through a power line at a frequency in the range of 50-60 hertz (Hz). In a low voltage line, power current is transmitted with a voltage between about 90 to 600 volts, and in a medium voltage line, power current is transmitted with a voltage between about 2,400 volts to 35,000 volts. The frequency of the data signals is greater than or equal to about 1 megahertz (MHz), and the voltage of the data signal ranges from a fraction of a volt to a few tens of volts.
-
FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional view of acover 100 for an inductive coupler.Cover 100 has amagnetic core section 115 enclosed within asheath 120. Sheath 120 is fabricated of either a conductive material or a semiconductive material.Insulation 105 surrounds an outer surface ofsheath 120. Amember 125 having aninternal opening 130 is fastened or placed withinmagnetic core section 115, inside anaperture 135.Member 125 has a “closed” profile. The term “closed” profile is used for defining a specific configuration where the material of the “closed” profile maintains a uniformed cross-section with one or more openings of space through the uniformed cross-section.Cover 100 also includes ahandle 110 to allow a person to holdcover 100 during installation of the inductive coupler onto a power line. -
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of aninductive coupler 250, andFIG. 2A is an illustration ofinductive coupler 250 installed on apower line 200.Inductive coupler 250 includescover 100 seated overpower line 200 above abase 255. As mentioned above,magnetic core section 115 is embedded withincover 100 and surrounded withsheath 120. Sheath 120 comes in contact with aconductive coating 245, which surrounds amagnetic core section 240 that is embedded withinbase 255.Magnetic core sections power line 200 is routed. Together,magnetic core sections winding 235 is wound around a portion ofmagnetic core section 240.Inductive coupler 250 operates as a transformer, wherepower line 200 serves as a primary winding of the transformer, and winding 235 is a secondary winding of the transformer. - Referring to
FIG. 2A , one end of secondary winding 235 is connected tocable 265 while the other end of secondary winding 235 is connected tocable 270.Cable 265 can be directly connected to electrical ground (not shown), whilecable 270 provides a data signal connection to electrical equipment (not shown). Alternatively bothcable 265 andcable 270 can be connected to the electrical equipment, where the electrical equipment provides a path to electrical ground. - Referring again to
FIG. 2 , winding 235 is shown as a single turn winding, but in practice, winding 235 may be wound aroundmagnetic core section 240 two or more times.Magnetic core section 240 is embedded ininsulation 210, andinsulation 211 is situated betweenmagnetic core section 240 and winding 235.Insulation 105,insulation 210, andinsulation 211 are fabricated of an electrically insulating material, such as epoxy.Insulation 210 andinsulation 211 are shown inFIG. 2 divided bymagnetic core section 240, however, in practice,magnetic core 240 and winding 235 are embedded withininsulation 210 andinsulation 211. That is,insulation 210 andinsulation 211 are contiguous with one another. -
Base 255 includes ashed slot 260. A lockingarm 215 is closed overcover 100 and captured in a final position with apivot nut 225 that is rotated so that aneyebolt 230 is positioned inshed slot 260. Lockingarm 215 is captured on an opposite side ofcover 100 with a fasteninghook snap connection 220. Lockingarm 215 applies force oncover 100entrapping power line 200 between magneticcore sections - When
inductive coupler 250 is installed ontopower line 200,member 125 is situated adjacent topower line 200. The weight ofinductive coupler 250forces member 125 to compress onto itself, reducinginternal opening 130. The location ofpower line 200 insideaperture 135 an/or the cross-section diameter ofpower line 200 can also influence the force being applied to compressmember 125. - A permanent set is a condition where a material, when compressed into a form, holds that form rather than returning to its original form. Preferably,
member 125 does not take a permanent set, but is instead, resilient. That is,member 125, after being compressed, tends to return to its non-compressed form.Member 125 is made of a conductive or semiconductive material. By not taking a permanent set,member 125 allows movement ofpower line 200, while maintaining a continual conductive or semiconductive connection betweenpower line 200 andmagnetic core section 115. This continual connection is important for enablinginductive coupler 250 to provide clear frequency signal performance when coupling a data signal. -
FIG. 3 illustrates a three-dimensional view of acover 300 that employs apower line connection 302 that includes amember 305.Member 305 has an “open” profile, and is fabricated of a conductive or semiconductive material that when brought into contact withpower line 200 collapses onto itself so that there is at least one layer of material ofmember 305 betweenmagnetic core section 115 andpower line 200.Member 305 deflects under load thus maintaining an electrical contact withpower line 200 regardless ofpower line 200's cross-sectional diameter size or position withinaperture 135. -
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of aninductive coupler 400 that includescover 300.Power line 200 is nested inmember 305, where material ofmember 305 is deflected so thatmember 305 maintains electrical continuity betweenpower line 200 andpower line connection 302. Thus,member 305 also maintains an electrical connection betweenmagnetic core section 115 andpower line 200. This assures consistent frequency signal transfer frompower line 200 throughinductive coupler 400 and onto other devices (not shown). -
FIG. 5 shows a three-dimensional view of acover 500 having amember 502 that is fabricated of a conductive or semiconductive material, and configured as a spring-loaded “open” profile.Member 502 includes spring-loadedfeet 505, and can be mechanically fastened or physically placed intoaperture 135. -
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of aninductive coupler 600 that includescover 500.Member 502 expands to allowpower line 200 to slide into anopening 602.Member 502 is made of a resilient material, such that when spring-loaded feet are spread apart from one another, they have a tendency to return to their non-spread positions. Accordingly, spring-loadedfeet 505 spring back aroundpower line 200, andclasp power line 200 to maintain a constant connection withpower line 200. Shear forming and metal stamping processes are well suited for developingmember 502. -
FIG. 7 shows a three-dimensional view of acover 700 that utilizes amember 702 that is fabricated of a conductive or semiconductive material, and configured as a spring-loaded “closed” profile.Member 702 has spring-loadedcontact fingers 705.Member 702 is defined as a cross-section with one or more openings of air parallel to the primary power line, and can be mechanically fastened or physically placed intoaperture 135. -
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an inductive coupler 800 that includescover 700.Member 702 is made of a resilient material.Member 702 compresses under load when inductive coupler 800 is installed ontopower line 200, and maintains an electrical connection betweenmember 702 andpower line 200, regardless of movement ofpower line 200 because spring-loadedcontact fingers 705 will spring back to their original position if any load is removed. -
FIG. 9 shows some exemplary configurations of members having a “closed” profile. “Closed” profiled members are most likely formed through extrusion molding. -
FIG. 10 shows some exemplary configurations of members having an “open” profile. “Open” profiled members are most likely formed through extrusion molding or injection molding. - An elastomer material having a hardness in a Hardness Type Shore A Durometer reading of degrees ranging from about 1 to about 100 is preferred for members 125 (
FIG. 1) and 305 (FIG. 3 ), and also for the profiled members shown inFIG. 9 andFIG. 10 . - A conductive metal material is preferred for members 502 (
FIG. 5) and 702 (FIG. 7 ). All of the profiled members described herein are fabricated of a material that is either conductive or semiconductive. Preferably, the material has a volume resistivity between about 1.0 E-11 and about 100,000 ohm-cm. -
FIG. 11 shows amagnetic core cover 1100 having asheath 120A that includesprotrusions 1105. That is,sheath 120A, when being fabricated, is molded to includeprotrusions 1105.Sheath 120A envelopesmagnetic core section 115.Sheath 120A is made of a material having conductive or semiconductive properties. Whenmagnetic core cover 1100 is installed on a power line,protrusions 1105 contact the power line and thus provide an electrical connection between the power line andmagnetic core section 115, regardless of the size or position of the power line. -
FIG. 12 shows a cross-section of aninductive coupler 1200 having aninductive coupler cover 1205.Inductive coupler 1200 hangs directly onpower line 200. The weight ofinductive coupler 1200 is great enough to ensure thatsheath 120 rests on, and maintains contact with,power line 200. Ifpower line 200 moves,inductive coupler 1200 moves in the same direction aspower line 200. Sincesheath 120 is conductive or semiconductive,sheath 120 maintains an electrical connection betweenmagnetic core section 115 andpower line 200. -
FIG. 12A shows a cross-section of aninductive coupler 1200A that includes acomponent 1210 that ensures thatpower line 200 andsheath 120 contact one another.Component 1210 is made of a compressible material having a non-compressed dimension that is greater than a distance betweeninsulation 211 andpower line 200. Wheninductive coupler 1200A is installed onpower line 200,component 1210 is compressed and applies a force againstpower line 200 that ensures the maintenance of the contact betweenpower line 200 andsheath 120. Sincesheath 120 is conductive or semiconductive, the combination ofcomponent 1210 andsheath 120 maintain an electrical connection betweenmagnetic core section 115 andpower line 200, viasheath 120. -
FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view of aninductive coupler 1200B that, similarly toinductive coupler 1200A, includes acomponent 1210. However,inductive coupler 1200B, in contrast withinductive coupler 1200A, does not includesheath 120. Ininductive coupler 1200B,component 1210 is compressed and applies a force againstpower line 200 that ensures thatpower line 200 andmagnetic core section 115 contact one another directly. -
FIG. 12C is a cross-sectional view of aninductive coupler 1200C that includes acomponent 1210C made of a compressible material that is also conductive or semiconductive.Inductive coupler 1200C does not includesheath 120.Component 1210C, along its sides, is in contact withmagnetic core section 115. Wheninductive coupler 1200C is installed onpower line 200,power line 200 makes contact withcomponent 1210C, which, in turn, maintains an electrical connection betweenpower line 200 andmagnetic core section 115. Ininductive coupler 1200C, sincecomponent 1210C is conductive or semiconductive,power line 200 andmagnetic core section 115 need not be in direct contact with one another. -
Component 1210C can be used ininductive couplers component 1210. Ifcomponent 1210C is used ininductive coupler 1200A,component 1210C will provide an additional electrical connection betweenpower line 200 andsheath 120. Ifcomponent 1210C is used ininductive coupler 1200B,component 1210C will provide an additional electrical connection betweenpower line 200 andmagnetic core section 115. -
FIG. 13 is a three-dimensional view of acover 1300 that employs a profiledmember 1305. Profiledmember 1305 is fabricated of a sheet made of conductive or semiconductive material. Profiledmember 1305 is situated on pole faces 1310 ofmagnetic core section 115 and adjacent to aninside aperture 1315 ofmagnetic core section 115.Cover 1300, when installed on a power line (e.g., power line 200) and fastened to a base (e.g., base 255), compresses profiledmember 1305 betweenmagnetic core section 115 and another magnetic core section, (e.g., magnetic core section 240). The compression force holds profiledmember 1305 in place. However, other arrangements (e.g., component 1210) may be provided to hold profiledmember 1305 in place. Profiledmember 1305 deflects under load to maintain an electrical contact withpower line 200, regardless ofpower line 200's cross-sectional diameter size or position withinaperture 1315. Accordingly, whencover 1300 is installed on the power line,sheath 120 and profiledmember 1305, together, maintain an electrical connection betweenmagnetic core section 115 and the power line. -
FIG. 13A is a three-dimensional view of acover 1300A that, similarly to cover 1300, employs profiledmember 1305, but in contrast withcover 1300, does not includesheath 120. Whencover 1300A is installed on a power line, profiledmember 1305 contactsmagnetic core section 115 and the power line, thus maintaining an electrical connection betweenmagnetic core section 115 and the power line. - All of the embodiments described herein include a member that maintains an electrical connection between a magnetic core and a conductor. In practice, the member can be any of (a) a combination of a sheath and a profiled member (e.g.,
FIGS. 1-8 and 13), (b) a sheath that also serves as a profiled member (e.g.,FIG. 11 ), (c) a sheath without an accompanying profiled member (e.g.,FIG. 12 ), (d) a combination of a sheath and a component of a compressible material (e.g.,FIG. 12A ), (e) a component of a compressible material that is conductive or semiconductive, without an accompanying sheath (e.g.,FIGS. 12B and 12C ), or (f) a profiled member without an accompanying sheath (e.g.FIG. 13A ). - The techniques described herein are exemplary, and should not be construed as implying any particular limitation on the present invention. It should be understood that various alternatives, combinations and modifications could be devised by those skilled in the art. The present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variances that fall within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (14)
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US68287705P | 2005-05-20 | 2005-05-20 | |
PCT/US2006/019452 WO2007027250A1 (en) | 2005-05-20 | 2006-05-19 | Inductive coupler for power line communications, having a member for maintaining an electrical connection |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20090278645A1 true US20090278645A1 (en) | 2009-11-12 |
US7864012B2 US7864012B2 (en) | 2011-01-04 |
Family
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Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/919,295 Active 2027-03-20 US7864012B2 (en) | 2005-05-20 | 2006-05-19 | Inductive coupler for power line communications, having a member for maintaining an electrical connection |
Country Status (8)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US7864012B2 (en) |
KR (1) | KR20080011156A (en) |
AU (1) | AU2006285418A1 (en) |
BR (1) | BRPI0609941A2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2601782A1 (en) |
EA (1) | EA200701963A1 (en) |
MX (1) | MX2007014232A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2007027250A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US9383394B2 (en) * | 2007-11-02 | 2016-07-05 | Cooper Technologies Company | Overhead communicating device |
CA2807296C (en) * | 2010-08-10 | 2018-09-04 | Cooper Technologies Company | Apparatus and method for mounting an overhead monitoring device |
ES2405839B1 (en) * | 2012-11-12 | 2014-03-25 | Premo, S.L. | Inductive signal coupling device to the mains |
US9379556B2 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2016-06-28 | Cooper Technologies Company | Systems and methods for energy harvesting and current and voltage measurements |
Citations (7)
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US5003278A (en) * | 1990-03-01 | 1991-03-26 | Ferrishield, Inc. | Ferrite suppressor case with retaining fingers |
US5243127A (en) * | 1990-11-24 | 1993-09-07 | Kitagawa Industries Co., Ltd. | Noise absorber |
US5400006A (en) * | 1993-04-23 | 1995-03-21 | Schlumberger Industries | Current transformer with plural part core |
US5990756A (en) * | 1997-08-06 | 1999-11-23 | Belden Communications Company | Ferrite bead for cable installations having one piece encasement |
US6262361B1 (en) * | 1995-09-29 | 2001-07-17 | Wurth Elektronik Gmbh & Co. Kg | Device for absorbing electrical noise |
US7040003B2 (en) * | 2000-07-19 | 2006-05-09 | Intelliserv, Inc. | Inductive coupler for downhole components and method for making same |
US7170367B2 (en) * | 2004-10-25 | 2007-01-30 | Ambient Corporation | Inductive coupler for power line communications |
Family Cites Families (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EA008984B1 (en) * | 2002-05-03 | 2007-10-26 | Эмбиент Корпорейшн | Construction of high voltage power line data couplers |
KR20050055763A (en) * | 2002-10-17 | 2005-06-13 | 앰비언트 코오퍼레이션 | Arrangement of a data coupler for power line communications |
-
2006
- 2006-05-19 KR KR1020077019933A patent/KR20080011156A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2006-05-19 MX MX2007014232A patent/MX2007014232A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2006-05-19 BR BRPI0609941-6A patent/BRPI0609941A2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2006-05-19 AU AU2006285418A patent/AU2006285418A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2006-05-19 US US11/919,295 patent/US7864012B2/en active Active
- 2006-05-19 EA EA200701963A patent/EA200701963A1/en unknown
- 2006-05-19 CA CA002601782A patent/CA2601782A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2006-05-19 WO PCT/US2006/019452 patent/WO2007027250A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5003278A (en) * | 1990-03-01 | 1991-03-26 | Ferrishield, Inc. | Ferrite suppressor case with retaining fingers |
US5243127A (en) * | 1990-11-24 | 1993-09-07 | Kitagawa Industries Co., Ltd. | Noise absorber |
US5400006A (en) * | 1993-04-23 | 1995-03-21 | Schlumberger Industries | Current transformer with plural part core |
US6262361B1 (en) * | 1995-09-29 | 2001-07-17 | Wurth Elektronik Gmbh & Co. Kg | Device for absorbing electrical noise |
US5990756A (en) * | 1997-08-06 | 1999-11-23 | Belden Communications Company | Ferrite bead for cable installations having one piece encasement |
US7040003B2 (en) * | 2000-07-19 | 2006-05-09 | Intelliserv, Inc. | Inductive coupler for downhole components and method for making same |
US7170367B2 (en) * | 2004-10-25 | 2007-01-30 | Ambient Corporation | Inductive coupler for power line communications |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
KR20080011156A (en) | 2008-01-31 |
EA200701963A1 (en) | 2008-04-28 |
BRPI0609941A2 (en) | 2010-05-11 |
WO2007027250A8 (en) | 2007-11-29 |
MX2007014232A (en) | 2008-02-05 |
US7864012B2 (en) | 2011-01-04 |
AU2006285418A1 (en) | 2007-03-08 |
CA2601782A1 (en) | 2007-03-08 |
WO2007027250A1 (en) | 2007-03-08 |
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